The steps to get a green card in the United States can be hard because the schedule often changes and there are delays in processing. In five years, USCIS is likely to deal with higher workloads which could increase the time it takes to handle applications. This is a summary of current USCIS green card processing trends that all applicants should know about.
1. Processing Times Are Increasing
One of the most noticeable trends this year is the overall increase in green card processing times. Based on data from early 2025:
1. Immediate relatives (Form I-130), including spouses and parents of U.S. citizens, now face average processing times of about 14.4 months.
2. Spouses and children of green card holders (F2A category) are experiencing longer waits, with some cases taking up to 35 months.
3. Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) applications for family-based applicants average 9.5 months, while employment-based adjustment cases are somewhat faster at 6.9 months.
2. USCIS Backlogs Continue to Grow
The total backlog at USCIS reached 5.67 million pending cases in early 2025. This is up from 5.56 million just a few months earlier. Employment authorization requests (Form I-765) and green card renewals are among the categories facing the most delays.
This growing volume is partly due to post-pandemic recovery, staff shortages, and high immigration demand in categories like employment-based visas and humanitarian programs.
3. Surge in EB-5 Investor Green Cards
Amid rising rejections in student and temporary visa categories, wealthy applicants — especially from countries like India — are turning to the EB-5 Investor Visa as a quicker, more reliable path to permanent residency.
The EB-5 program allows foreign nationals to invest a minimum of $800,000 in a U.S. business and receive a green card. This visa route is now surging in popularity, especially among high-net-worth individuals seeking stability in the immigration process.
4. What Applicants Can Do
To better navigate the current USCIS landscape:
1. Check processing times regularly at uscis.gov.
2. Ensure all forms are complete and submitted with supporting documents to avoid Request for Evidence (RFE) delays.
3. Monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin if your green card category is subject to annual caps.
4. Consider consulting an immigration attorney for high-stakes or time-sensitive cases.
Visit https://helpingreencard.com/ for the most recent information, assistance, or more thorough instructions on how to apply for a green card outside of the United States. We are available to assist you at every stage.
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